Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the Congress Party remains fully committed to providing 42 per cent BC reservations in local body elections. He spoke at a press conference held at Sanjeeva Reddy Bhavan in Khammam on Friday.
Vikramarka accused the BJP-led Centre of blocking the BC reservation bill for political reasons. He said the state government urged the Centre to include the bill in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. However, the Union government failed to respond. Therefore, he said, the delay shows the Centre’s indifference toward BC welfare.
He pointed out that the Telangana Assembly and Council had already passed the bill and sent it to the President for approval. Yet, the Centre kept it pending for months without explanation. “The BJP’s silence clearly exposes its disregard for social justice,” he said.
Congress accuses the BJP of neglecting BCs
Vikramarka said the Congress government in Telangana has always acted with sincerity toward BC rights. Meanwhile, he alleged that the BJP deliberately stalled the bill to gain political advantage. “Congress works for BC rights, but BJP delays action to protect its vote base,” he remarked.
He described the BJP’s attitude as “anti-BC” and demanded that Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay state their positions clearly on the issue. Moreover, he said the Congress had even approached the courts to defend the BC reservation policy. “Our commitment is reflected in our actions,” he added.
Bandh for Justice to highlight Centre’s failure
Vikramarka said the BC JAC’s ‘Bandh for Justice’, scheduled for Saturday, aims to protest the BJP’s refusal to act on the bill. Consequently, he said, the bandh symbolises growing anger among BCs over the Centre’s continued neglect.
In addition, he said the Congress will continue supporting every effort that ensures equal rights for all communities. Party leaders and local representatives attended the press meet in solidarity.